Civeo’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations

Published: June 28, 2024

Last week, Civeo celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day with activities for staff and guests to deepen our understanding of the heritage and culture of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada.

Staff at Civeo’s Canadian head office in Edmonton witnessed and took part in a few Indigenous cultural ceremonies, practices and performances to celebrate the day.

Led by Orest Zwozdesky, the day was started with a tipi-raising, followed by a pipe ceremony to bless the occasion. Civeo staff were then treated to a performance of katajjaq, or Inuit throat singing, from Elder Connie Kanayok McCrae and Jaynine McCrae.

At Civeo’s Sitka Lodge in Kitimat, B.C., and ConocoPhillips’ Surmont Lodge property in Fort McMurray, guests and staff enjoyed a special Indigenous-inspired dinner menu and festivities including dance performances.

“It was a wonderful celebration and sharing of culture. Days like this are opportunities both for Indigenous Peoples in Canada – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis – to practice and share our culture, and for non-Indigenous people to learn about our diverse customs, but also recognize the truths of why sharing Indigenous culture is so important,” said Trevor Gladue, senior Indigenous relations director. “For decades, Indigenous Peoples were not allowed to practice our ceremonies, languages, and traditions as part of colonial forced assimilation. It’s so important to have cultural sharing on days like this, and really, every chance that we can.”

The gallery below captures some of the celebrations from the day.

Thanks to all who participated!